Flea Pest Control in Essex
Fleas are one of the most common household pests in the UK. They cause irritation to pets and people alike, and infestations can quickly spread throughout a property. At Red Pencil Pest Control, we provide safe, effective, and professional flea control services across Essex.
THE BIG 3 QUESTIONS
Fleas and Why Do We Need to Control Them?
Fleas are ectoparasites — insects that live on the outside of their host. They feed on the blood of mammals and birds.
The most common species in the UK are:
- Cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) – affects cats, dogs, and will bite humans.
- Dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis) – less common but also bites cats and humans.
- Human flea (Pulex irritans) – rare, but can infest people directly.
Risks to humans and pets:
- Bites: Cause itching, rashes, and in some cases allergic reactions.
- Infections: Excessive scratching can cause secondary skin infections.
- Pets: Suffer discomfort, potential allergic reactions, and in heavy infestations may develop anaemia. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms if ingested by pets.
Although fleas in the UK don’t typically spread serious diseases, their presence in the home or workplace is unpleasant and damaging.
How to Identify a FLEA Infestation?
Fleas are tiny and can be difficult to spot directly, but there are clear signs:
- Pets scratching, licking, or biting excessively.
- Flea dirt (droppings): Small black specks in your pet’s fur or bedding (turns red when moistened).
- Bites on humans: Usually on ankles or lower legs, appearing as small red itchy spots.
- Jumping insects: Fleas seen leaping in carpets, bedding, or furniture.
- Shed skins and eggs: Found in soft furnishings like carpets, pet bedding, and upholstered furniture.
Fleas thrive in carpets, rugs, and bedding, where up to 95% of the infestation (eggs, larvae, pupae) live away from the host animal.
How We Treat a FLEA Infestation?
At Red Pencil Pest Control, we provide comprehensive flea control tailored to your property:
- Inspection & Survey: Identify hotspots such as pet bedding, carpets, sofas, and cracks in flooring.
- Professional Insecticides: Residual sprays and powders applied to floors, carpets, and furnishings.
- Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs): Disrupt the flea life cycle by preventing larvae from becoming adults.
- Follow-up Visits: Multiple treatments are often required because eggs and pupae can survive for weeks.
- Preparation Guidance: We advise vacuuming, hot-washing pet bedding, and removing pets during treatments.
DIY flea sprays rarely work long-term — if not treated thoroughly, infestations can bounce back stronger. Professional control ensures effective eradication